Sepilok Nature Lodge, Borneo

Accommodation at Sepilok Nature Lodge comes in the form of charming wooden chalets sprinkled around the edge of the lake. They’re clean and simple both in style and design, with an en suite bathroom and spacious living area, and decorated with the odd flash of colourful fabric. But the real draw is the private veranda which comes with each chalet, complete with seating and a hammock for lounging in so you can listen to the sounds of the jungle and keep a keen eye out for wildlife, including orangutans!

The resort’s restaurant is on an open-air terrace and you can dine either undercover or on decking jutting out on the lake. Meals are simple but home-cooked and tasty and there’s an impressive range of choice, from local favourites like curries to international fare like pizza. Breakfast is also simple, with fruit, pancakes and eggs among the options you can pick from. The terrace is fringed by exotic flowers, so you’ll often be joined by birds seeking their nectar in the morning!

The biggest advantage of Sepilok Nature Lodge is its location. It’s a five-minute walk from Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, so it’s not only convenient to reach for the morning feeding time, but you can easily return for the afternoon feed as well (your ticket is valid for the whole day), when it’s quieter. Make sure you also visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre next door as well to tick off two of Borneo’s most endangered species at the same time. Back at the resort, you can go on guided night walks along tiny jungle trails to spy snakes, tree frogs and, if you’re lucky, the elusive Horsfield’s tarsier. For another option of guided jungle walks at night, you can also go to the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre. The canopy bridges there will get you closer to nocturnal creatures like flying lemurs, flying foxes and slow loris. Even when you’re relaxing in your hammock or on your veranda, always try and keep one eye out for passing wildlife like orangutans or pig-tailed macaques.